Still, quarterback Jay Cutler would prefer if the Bears gave Tice more than one year to get them in a better groove. Cutler, in an interview with Chicago radio station WMVP-AM 1000, hopes he will get more time to get in sync with his play-caller.

"It's hard for an offense and for a quarterback to get where you want to be and be consistent on a weekly basis if you're changing coordinators every year," Cutler said. “That’s a reality. I think it’s an overlooked fact. I thought he (Tice) did a good job. We’re not done yet. It’s a difficult job where we had a lot of injuries on the offensive line, first year of the offense and you’re expected to go out there and rip it up. But it’s just reality. It’s the first year of the offense.”

The Bears' offensive line has continued to struggle in protecting Cutler, even with an emphasis on him getting the ball out quickly. It hasn't been consistent in helping him with good run blocking, either. The one saving grace for the passer has been the renewed great connection with Brandon Marshall, his go-to wide receiver with the Denver Broncos.

The decision to keep Tice would be easier if Chicago makes the playoffs, which would happen with a Week 17 victory at Detroit coupled with a Minnesota home loss to Green Bay. Look for the Bears to have Cutler let it loose against a reeling Lions secondary in the controlled indoor environment of Ford Field.